The American In Another World
Chapter 26: The Invasion of Altaras

November 7th, 1639

Le Brias, Kingdom of Altaras

With the threat of the Parpaldian conquest looming over the horizon, tensions arise as the wealthy Altar people prepare for war. Over the past few weeks, King Taara noticed an increase in the aggressiveness of Parpaldia's policies, which then culminated with the most outrageous request he had ever seen. He wrinkled his face in disdain and anger as he read the latest message from the Parpaldian ambassador.

Somehow, the Parpaldians learned that he sold magic gems in exchange for firearms. Unhappy with this potential threat, they demanded that King Taara hand over all purchased firearms. As punishment for engaging in such business, Parpaldian wanted him to officially renounce the independence of the Altaras and submit to the Parpaldian Empire. Furthermore, they wanted their daughter as a slave!

"What is this?!" He said, rereading the document to make sure that he did not fantasize. To his dismay, the ridiculous demands were indeed written on the documents and signed by the Parpaldian ambassador. A wave of denial swept over him, taking him out of his castle and confirming with the Parpaldian embassy.

The eyes along the way glanced at him and his entourage as he walked past him, ready to reveal some of his thoughts. His citizens, noticing King Taara's annoyed attitude, followed him. By the time he reached the Parpaldian embassy, he had gathered a lot of people - enough to scare the Parpaldians into thinking that an attack was taking place.

The Parpaldian embassy guards pulled out their weapons and pointed them at the crowd. In response, the Taara Royal Guards aimed their new rifles at the Parpaldian, leading to a tense standoff. Not wanting to risk his people being pinned down, King Taara stepped forward. He took the initiative and spoke to the guards, asking to be allowed in for diplomatic purposes.

“Alright, King Altara. You can continue, ” said one of the guards without taking a look from the Royal Guards.

King Taara looked back, hoping the deadlock would not increase as he entered the building. He pushed the heavy wooden door open and took a breath as he walked towards the receptionist. "I want to meet the ambassador" he said in an authoritative and demanding voice.

The receptionist trembled in his chair, shocked by the defiance and determination of this barbarian king. He nodded obediently and got up, going to pick up the ambassador. Within a minute, he came back and gently asked her to follow him.

"Lead the way" said Taara.

As they walked towards the ambassador's office, more guards rushed past them, rifles in hand. King Taara frowned, feeling his heart pounding at the thought of the shootout that occurred. He braced himself as they approached the ambassador's office, which was opened by the receptionist. He saw the ambassador inside with his feet resting on the only other seat in the room.

Ambassador Parpaldian spoke harshly, “So, the king himself has arrived! Take you long enough.”

“Mr Ambassador,” Taara started, “I want to make sure if this document is indeed Parpaldian government request.” He placed the papers in front of the ambassador.

“Hmm... Release the independence.. Hand over the princess as a slave..”. “It looks like everything is in order. What, do you really think this is some kind of joke? You have a week to fulfill this request.”

“Sunday?! For such a ridiculous request?! How can taking my daughter even benefit the Parpaldian Empire?

"No," the ambassador sneered. Then, with a malicious grin, he continued, “This is a punishment for buying a firearm without our permission. And besides, I hope to really feel it, if you know what I mean!

"You damned bastard!" Taara's head throbbed furiously and she instinctively thought of her new gun. He fought desperately against the desire to shoot the arrogant Parpaldian right then and there, realizing that his people would be in danger if he carried out his planned execution. He calmed down and left the room in silence.

Although her face was flushed red, she ventured out and met the crowd. “Citizen Le Brias! Today, we have suffered the greatest humiliation in our history. The Parpaldian Empire not only wants to steal our independence, but also Princess Lumiess! Wh why? To satisfy a man's pitiful ego and low desire! We as the Altar will never admit such disgusting arrogance. They were proud of their politeness yet acted like barbarians - so much so that they threatened war over this! If war is what they want, they will accept it!”

The crowd cheered for King Taara, who raised his hand to appease his people. “In a week, they will start deploying their troops. Although this match might seem very siding with the superpower, the Parpaldian Kingdom, I truly believe that we will win!” He then turned around. “To the barbarian ambassadors inside this building and the Parpaldian staff here, with this you are expelled! Go back to your country soon, lest you see the barbarism that you are so afraid of!”

——

After a grueling day of gathering support and gathering his citizens, King Taara retired to his throne room, where someone had been waiting for him. The man stepped out from the shadow of the pillar, shocking King Taara. He grabbed his revolver, but stopped when he realized that the Royal Guards had no reaction.

The man fixed his tie and patted his suit. “Jeez, Your Majesty. Do I really look scary?”

"I'm sorry, Mr. Davidson." Taara relaxed her arms and released the tension that was piling up inside her. "It's a tough day."

"I can see it, Your Majesty."

“So, can you guarantee our safety?”

Davidson's cynical, but polite demeanor remained the same. "Of course" he said with a smile.

"And my people?"

“Ah, don't worry about them. We will soon declare war on the Parpaldian Empire.”

Taara raised an eyebrow, completely confused by this. “But Mr. Davidson, I have the impression that the United States does not want a conflict with the Parpaldian Empire. I thought you'd send us military equipment?

Davidson shook her head, chuckling. “What gave you that idea? Rifle dispatch? That's to buy time for reinforcements. Guerrilla war until Congress and the President find a good reason to fight.”

Taara was unsure. “Search for a good reason? How long will it take?” He asked with a frown.

“Oh, I won't worry about that. We know how to make excuses. We call it a false flag operation; I'm not sure if it translates into the Elysian very well, but I'm sure you understand.”

“In due course, Your Majesty. In time."

——

Washington DC

Light rain drenched the White House windows as President Lee rolled down his tablet. A light knock calmed his mind, giving him a brief respite from the political turmoil surrounding the Altaras Kingdom. He wished he wasn't too greedy with his plans, especially given the risks.

Lee and many of his advisers saw the Parpaldian Empire as a threat to international stability in the Third Civilization Region. The Parpaldian Empire flourished aggressively and prospered due to blackmail, threats, and conquest. Since they could not defend themselves without conquest, the Parpaldians would eventually become a problem for the United States, sooner or later. President Lee, working with the advice of national security advisers, decided to deal with the Parpaldian Empire sooner.

By carrying out false flag attacks on American merchandise, Lee hopes to avoid civilian casualties. Warehouses with American products line the Le Brias docks, most likely targets of the Parpaldian Imperial Army. At the expense of a few million dollars worth of goods, he could brand Parpaldian as a danger to international shipping. Moreover, as a primitive country without concern for the lives of 'barbarians', he could easily paint a wicked picture of them, thus gaining the support of the American population.

Unfortunately, this plan relies on the actions of the Parpaldians. If they take slaves, execute civilians, or cause a lot of additional damage, then the content can be sent to various American media. However, this may take — times that the Altar may not have. In order to increase the chances of the Altarans fighting relatively powerful enemies like the Parpaldian Empire, Lee and Director Klein built a secret force within the Altaras, similar to how the United States funded 'freedom fighters' in the Middle East. This power, largely localized within the ranks of the Royal Guards and other prestigious Altaran combat units, would defend against the encroaching Parpaldian forces. Using unconventional asymmetrical warfare, the,

With the position of the Seventh Fleet off the coast of the Kingdom of Sios, all he needed was a green light. If everything goes according to plan, the Altaras Kingdom will become the 'Japan' Elysia, where the Seventh Fleet will be stationed. The Strait of Altaran, which separated the Parpaldian Empire from the continent of Rodenius, was an important geographical location. With the Altaras Kingdom under American control, the United States could have a forward base and easy access to other continents beyond. Additionally, grateful Altarans can benefit from American industrial machinery, especially when applied in their magic gem mines.

Although his war aims were clearly imperialistic, Lee did not see a better alternative to keep the Parpaldians in check. Realistically, an American victory would be a win-win for the United States and the various 'barbarian' nations that had been conquered by the Parpaldian Empire. Tearing up other countries' spheres of influence and replacing them with their own was a terrible thing to do, but Lee put those concerns aside. Justifiably, a vile country like the Parpaldian Empire certainly did not deserve such influence. Undeniably, any deal with the United States would be far more profitable and fair than a deal with the Parpaldian Empire.

Convinced of the goodness of his goal, Lee dispels his doubts and then returns his focus to the fleet of ships moving under thick clouds. More than 300 ships went hand in hand, sailing proudly. Of these fleets, more than two-thirds were row ships, while the rest were supply and freight ships. Surprisingly, Les saw a dozen flat-roofed ships. Upon closer inspection, he recognized them as carriers of — wyvern carriers.

Lee whispered to himself as he watched the broadcast. “Just need a little more time..”

——

Le Brias, Kingdom of Altaras

“Lumiess,” Taara holds her daughter's cheeks while looking at her watery eyes. His voice almost broke as he bid farewell to his family. “Make sure you stay hidden in the embassy. Don't go out under any circumstances! Americans will provide updates.”

Lumiess let her tears flow as she shouted, “But Dad, why can't you stay with us?!”

Taara's heart sank. “Sorry, honey, but I have to stay in the castle to coordinate our defense. This,” him offers Lumiess a black device with a long antenna. "Americans say this magic device is like manacomm, and will allow us to stay in touch by using this button here."

After King Taara demonstrated how to use a handheld radio, he hugged his daughter and wife, giving them kisses on the cheeks and forehead before leaving. As he walked out of the lobby, he was escorted by Davidson.

“We will keep them safe, Your Majesty. And we will do our best to keep you safe, so you can see them again.”

King Taara sighed. “I've heard the stories of Americans and your achievements in Rodenius. I've also heard about your fight with the pirate fleet, which seems well equipped like the Parpaldian Navy is quite strange.

“Whatever rumors you hear, most likely it is true. We have not suffered a single victim, and it will remain that way for a while.

King Taara cast a doubtful look.

“Trust or not, Your Majesty, but you know how far our weapons reach. Can't take any casualties if the enemy can't even reach us, which is why we teach your men guerrilla warfare. Parpaldian has a distinct advantage over your standard troops. You remember the description of their rifle?

Tara nodded. "I'm ready."

“Their forces are likely trained in linear or rectangular formations. It is imperative that your men force close combat with the Parpaldians and use the terrain to their advantage. Engaging enemies in the open field is a relic of the past, especially with weapons that can knock down those who attack even before they are within arc range.”

"So that's it." Taara shivers at the thought of his infantry being annihilated by a Parmaldian rifle, similar to the gun warfare video shown by the Americans. “Stay, is it really necessary to use magic gems as you explain.?”.

“Your civilization has almost no explosives that stand out, so we have to do it.” Davidson gave a reassuring smile that did not match the cynical look in her eyes. "You won't have such worries when you see the Parpaldian block being blasted into hell, or the land dragon being torn to shreds."

King Taara nodded, slightly frightened by the Americans. “Thank you, Mr. Davidson. Will you help me in the castle?

He shook his head. “I wish I could, but protocol says that we can't get caught in the crossfire. We can provide you with information via walkie talkies, but unless we get an official green light from the employer, you are on your own. Your Royal Guards seem very competent, so I think they will remember their training well.”

"I understand. I hope your people make a decision quickly, ” he said.

"I hope so too" Davidson replied. “Oh, and don't forget to throw that device if Parpaldian makes it to the castle. One, we don't want them to look at the technology and acknowledge our involvement. Two, sometimes crackling and can reveal your position.

"I appreciate the advice, Mr. Davidson."

Davidson waved her hand. "May it work, Your Majesty."